Should New York be satisfied with Amar’e Stoudemire?

The New York Knicks and Amar’e Stoudemire continued to move closer to an agreement to bring the free-agent forward to Madison Square Garden next season, but sources told ESPN that the deal has yet to be struck.

A person involved in the talks told The New York Times the Knicks have offered Stoudemire a five-year, $100 million deal — the maximum allowed — and are waiting to talk to him in person to complete the deal, which can’t be signed until July 8 at the earliest.

After all, the New York Knicks and their fans spent years hoping for LeBron James. The front office cut salaries and practically encouraged losing, while fans watched a God-awful product shame their beloved Madison Square Garden.

Such a situation was tolerated because fans had hope -the hope they’d sign James this summer. Well, chances are they’ll only end up with Amar’e Stoudemire.

Another second tier free agent may sign on. Maybe not.

Reports indicate Stoudemire and the Knicks are moving full speed ahead on an extension. STAT will score in bunches and entertain the NYC masses. However, the club is no closer to winning an NBA Title with him up front.

And wasn’t that what the last two years were supposedly about? Weren’t the Knicks losing so one day they’d win?

Well, their grand strategy looks to have failed. James probably isn’t coming; same with Dwyane Wade.

Even with Stoudemire, the New York Knicks need a new plan for 2011. Turns out hope wasn`t enough.